An Optimistic Blue - Colour of the Year 2022

Last week Dulux announced its Colour of the Year 2022. Bright Skies is described as ‘an airy and fresh tone that opens up and breathes new life into any space’ it may indeed be the perfect colour to cheer us through the upcoming months of winter – and in the lyrics of Isaac Waddington we will see ‘bright skies cutting through the rain’.

Let’s take a look . . .

Image: Bright Skies, Dulux

Researching the psychology of colour we are told that blue calls to mind feelings of calmness and serenity. It is often described as tranquil and peaceful. Interestingly blue is also seen as a sign of stability, reliability and one of security and order – the perfect antidote to 18 months of turmoil perhaps?

And it is exactly this thinking that has driven the creation of Bright Skies. Following extensive research, the Dulux team concluded that having had our lives turned upside down by Covid, we have reassessed the importance of home, the natural world and the arts. In doing so we are embracing new thinking and ideas that strive to a brighter future.  Dulux conclude that Bright Skies is ‘an optimistic blue that’s good for the soul.’

Working with Bright Skies

Blue has long been a preferred colour to work with in interiors because it acts as a compliment to almost any colour on the wheel. Bright Skies is a soft, light blue. It has no grey in it and will work well in small spaces, opening them up and adding an airy, freshness to a room. The softness of this particular blue increases an already versatile colours versatility – if that makes sense. A classic in the making? We shall see.

So how can we best use this colour in our homes without giving ourselves an actual case of the blues?  Well, our friends at Dulux do a great job of supplying us with handy colour palettes that work to give different looks and feels for different areas in our home.

They suggest a ‘Workshop’ colour palette that could be perfect for those of us juggling multifunctional spaces – the living room cum office cum classroom scenario we have all found ourselves in at some point over the last 18 months. Here Bright Skies is used alongside pastels Rose Canopy & Golden Cookie and the stronger, mustard-yellow Healing Spice, to zone a multi-functional space.

Image: Dulux. Example of the 'Workshop' colour palette 

But if this is a little too Neapolitan for your taste, the ‘Greenhouse’ palette nods to the enduring trend of Biophilia and could be the perfect way forward. Sitting with the cool grey of Moon Cloud and the warmer greeny-blue hues of Denim Drift & River Valley, Bright Skies works beautifully here off-setting the natural woods in the kitchen and the brass pendant lights.

Image: Dulux. Example of the 'Greenhouse' colour palette

My favourite of the suggested Dulux palettes however is the ‘Salon’ Palette.  In this scenario Bright Skies is combined with Rubble Road, a browny-grey and Cliff Walk, which is, as the name suggests, a soft, chalky neutral.

Image: Dulux. Example of the 'Salon' palette

I’m a fan of this blue/brown combination, it feels fresh but at the same time rich and sumptuous. There is a comforting quality to it, well suited to an area where you wish to relax or unwind. It could be the perfect colour combination for the bedroom or the living room.

Elsewhere on the great giver of interior inspiration – Pinterest – I find these blue beauties.  See how this soft blue is used as the perfect backdrop to a gallery wall, simple wooden shelving and a to-die-for sumptuous, indigo sofa.

Image: Italianbark

And for those lovers of bright pops of colour? Look how beautifully the blue works here alongside the natural wood floor, zesty orange chairs and white table & accessories.

Image: Turbulences Deco

Finally, I leave you with a simple bit of styling – perfect perhaps for the less brave among us – but those still curious to see how the Colour of the Year could sit in their home – in a hall, alcove or end of passageway. Simple but beautiful.

Image: Dulux. Bright Skies 

Image: la redoute

 Love this colour but want some help using it in your home? Let’s get chatting!